Constructional Building Material

ABSTRACT

A constructional building material, such as a brick, with at least one base section and a vane extending from the base section. The vane defines, at least in part, a volume of space within an envelope boundary that facilitates fluid flow, such as airflow, through a wall system formed at least in part from one or more constructional building materials. Adjacent vanes, either of the same constructional building material or of different constructional building materials, may operate to provide or define one or more common volumes of space and corresponding fluid flow channels and associated fluid flow paths. A wall system, formed in accordance with the present invention, allows fluid to pass from one side to the other through the wall system while also providing up to complete visual obstruction through the wall depending upon how the wall system is constructed. Additionally, the specific configuration of the vane of a constructional building material can function to provide visual obstruction by extending beyond its own envelope boundary to or beyond the envelope boundary of an adjacent constructional building material. The configuration of the vane in the constructional building material can vary and the wall system may be built from a plurality of constructional building material configurations. The constructional building material of the present invention may also be used in combination with tradition building materials to form a hybrid wall system.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to constructional buildingmaterials, such as bricks, etc. used in architectural applications. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to a constructional buildingmaterial for use in constructing walls, barriers or the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND RELATED ART

Bricks and similar type building materials are common in constructingvarious structures, walls, barriers, etc. Historically, bricks were usedas a means to build and physically support various type structures.Today bricks are widely used for architectural design and aestheticpurposes. Examples of modern brick use include interior decoration,house facades, and decorative walls. However, bricks are still a verycommonly used building material used to construct walls and barriers. Inaddition to masonry type bricks, other materials, such as plastics,composites, and recycled materials are also used as suitable bricksubstitutes.

Bricks are usually combined together in a pattern and secured withmortar to form various structures, such as wall or barriers. Onecombination of brick use is known as a “screen wall,” which can servevarious functions. For example, one function of a screen walls can be toat least partially conceal or hide spaces and objects from view withrespect to an outside observer. Another function of screen walls can beto provide at least some airflow through the screen wall, such as forneeded ventilation purposes. Common screen walls include those erectedaround dumpsters, mechanical equipment, furnaces, air conditioningunits, etc. Screen walls can also make areas more private, such as aresidential patio.

Screen walls generally have gaps to allow airflow to pass through thewall while still at least partially obstructing view of the object orspace concealed on the opposing side of the wall. In the case ofmechanical equipment, such as an air conditioner compressor, cold air isdrawn through the gaps of the screen wall while the wall partiallyblocks both sight and sound to an outside observer.

Traditional screen walls, however, suffer from several limitations, andmay thus be considered to be poorly built. For example, someconventional screen walls comprise gaps typically formed by spacing twoadjacent bricks apart from one another to create what may be describedas a hole through the wall. While air is able to flow through the wall,the formed gap or space in the wall provides a direct sight line throughthe wall. To increase the visual obstruction capacity of the wall, thenumber of gaps formed in the wall may be reduced, and/or their size maybe reduced. However, both of these options negatively affects theairflow through the wall as there is either less spaces through whichair may pass, or smaller spaces that function to restrict the airflow.In addition, the spaces provide a substantially laterally (i.e.,horizontal) oriented line of sight allowing observers to see directlythrough the wall along a substantially horizontal axis or plane. Apoorly designed screen wall is considered herein to be 1) one thatprovides sufficient airflow, but poor visual obstruction, 2) one thatprovides poor airflow, but sufficient visual obstruction, or 3) one thatprovides both poor airflow and poor visual obstruction. As visualobstruction is a relative term, it may be considered to mean the visualblocking of a line of sight through the wall structure that issubstantially orthogonal to a vertical axis of the wall structure, orone that is within a range of ±20 degrees as measured from thehorizontal. Of course this range may vary depending upon the particularsize of bricks and construction practices employed to erect the wall. Inessence, visual obstruction means not being able to see through the wallstructure along, or within a certain number of degrees from, asubstantially horizontal axis or plane that is orthogonal to the wallstructure.

Conversely, although a traditional solid wall with little or no gapswill provide near complete visual obstruction, airflow through the wallis virtually eliminated, leaving only an air flow path over the wall oraround the wall, if possible.

Restricted or reduced air flow caused by a solid wall or a poorlyconstructed screen wall can lead to air that is essentially trapped orcaused to be stagnant inside the area enclosed by the wall. Dependingupon the area and the object(s) contained by the wall, trapped orstagnant air can be problematic. For example, without sufficient airflowthrough the wall, machinery can be caused to perform at suboptimumlevels, or odors may be caused to accumulate and intensify.

Additionally, with solid and poorly constructed screen walls, wind andother forces, which are often exerted against the exterior of a wall,can cause increased loading or pressure. For example, many outside wallsare continuously subjected to dynamic loading as they are exposed towind. A measure of the forces acting on the wall from the wind is knownas wind loading. The greater the pressure or wind load, the more robustthe wall needs to be to be in order to withstand the applied forces. Themore robust the wall is, the more expensive it is to construct.Therefore, a desirable structure, such as a screen wall, would beconstructed so as to reduce wind load, while still providing bothenhanced visual obstruction and enhanced airflow over solid walls andpoorly built screen walls.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In light of the inherent problems associated with prior relatedconstructional building materials, such as masonry bricks, the presentinvention seeks to overcome these by providing a constructional buildingmaterial for use within a structure, such as a wall or other structure,wherein the constructional building material facilitates enhanced airflow and enhanced visual obstruction capabilities over prior relatedconstructional building materials, and walls or other structures formedtherefrom. This may be accomplished in many ways using many differentdesigns of building materials. In addition, this may be accomplishedwithin a single deep layer of building materials.

The present invention resides in a constructional building materialcomprising at least one base section and a vane of various designsextending outwards from the base section. In one exemplary embodiment,the present invention constructional building material comprises a firstbase section having a first surface, and a second surface substantiallyparallel to the first surface and defining a second plane; and at leastone vane extending outward from the base section along a longitudinalaxis, such that the cross-sectional area of the portion of the vanewithin the envelope boundary, is less than the cross-sectional area ofthe base section, whereby the vane operates to define a volume of spaceabout the first vane surface and within the first and second planes.

Combining at least two constructional building materials formed afterthe manner of the present invention provides, at least in part, a wallsystem that facilitates fluid, such as air or water, to pass through thewall system, while also enhancing the visual obstruction capacity of thewall system. The wall system provides a fluid flow path or channeldefined at least in part by the vanes of the at least two buildingmaterials. The vanes operate together to define a common volume of spaceand the fluid flow path. Additionally, the wall system can visuallyobstruct a line of sight substantially along a horizontal axis or plane,thus making the area contained within the wall structure difficult toview from without the wall structure. The configuration of the vane inthe constructional building material can vary and the wall system may bebuilt from a plurality of constructional building materialconfigurations. The constructional building material of the presentinvention may also be used in combination with tradition buildingmaterials (e.g., bricks of conventional design) to form a hybrid wallsystem.

The present invention further resides in a method for facilitating fluidflow through opposing sides of a wall system. The method comprisesobtaining at least two constructional building materials, each having atleast one base section and at least one vane extending outward from thebase section; and positioning the at least two constructional buildingmaterials in a manner so as to cause the at least two vanes to define acommon volume of space and a fluid flow path that facilitates fluid flowthrough the opposing sides of the wall system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully apparent from the followingdescription and appended claims, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings merely depictexemplary embodiments of the present invention they are, therefore, notto be considered limiting of its scope. It will be readily appreciatedthat the components of the present invention, as generally described andillustrated in the figures herein, could be arranged and designed in awide variety of different configurations. Nonetheless, the inventionwill be described and explained with additional specificity and detailthrough the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates a front perspective view of the constructionalbuilding material in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 1B illustrates a transverse cross section of the constructionalbuilding material of FIG. 1A taken along section A-A;

FIG. 1C illustrates a rear perspective view of the constructionalbuilding material of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A illustrates a constructional building material in accordancewith another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B illustrates a transverse cross section of the constructionalbuilding material of FIG. 2A taken along section B-B;

FIG. 2C illustrates a top view of the constructional building materialof FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A illustrates a constructional building material in accordancewith another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3B illustrates a transverse cross section of the constructionalbuilding material of FIG. 3A taken along section C-C;

FIG. 4A illustrates a constructional building material in accordancewith still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4B illustrates a rear perspective view of the constructionalbuilding material of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C illustrates a transverse cross section of the constructionalbuilding material of FIG. 4A taken along section D-D;

FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of a wall system constructed inaccordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention,wherein the wall system comprises a plurality of constructional buildingmaterials formed after the manner of those illustrated in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 5B illustrates a front view of the wall system of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5C illustrates a transverse cross section of the wall system ofFIG. 5A taken along section E-E;

FIG. 5D illustrates a side view of the wall system of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5E illustrates a rear view on the wall system of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A illustrates a wall system constructed in accordance with anotherexemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the wall systemcomprises a plurality of building materials formed after the manner ofthose illustrated in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 6B illustrates a transverse cross section of the wall system ofFIG. 6A taken along section F-F;

FIG. 7A illustrates a constructional building material in accordancewith still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7B illustrates a transverse cross section of the constructionalbuilding material of FIG. 7A taken along section G-G;

FIG. 8A illustrates a wall system constructed in accordance with anotherexemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the wall systemcomprises a plurality of building materials formed after the manner ofthose illustrated in FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8B illustrates a cross section of the wall system of FIG. 8A takenalong section H-H;

FIG. 9A illustrates a constructional building material in accordancewith still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9B illustrates a transverse cross section of the constructionalbuilding material of FIG. 9A taken along section I-I;

FIG. 10A illustrates a wall system constructed in accordance withanother exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the wallsystem comprises a plurality of building materials formed after themanner of those illustrated in FIG. 9A;

FIG. 10B illustrates a transverse cross section of the wall system ofFIG. 10A taken along section J-J;

FIG. 11A illustrates a constructional building material in accordancewith still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11B illustrates a transverse cross section of the constructionalbuilding material of FIG. 11A taken along section K-K;

FIG. 12A illustrates a wall system constructed in accordance withanother exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the wallsystem comprises a plurality of building materials formed after themanner of those illustrated in FIG. 11A;

FIG. 12B illustrates a transverse cross section of the wall system ofFIG. 12A taken along section L-L;

FIG. 13A illustrates a constructional building material in accordancewith still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13B illustrates a top view of the constructional building materialof FIG. 13A;

FIG. 14A illustrates a constructional building material in accordancewith still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14B illustrates a top view of the constructional building materialof FIG. 14A;

FIG. 15A illustrates a perspective view of a wall system constructed inaccordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention,wherein the wall system comprises a two-part design with plurality ofbuilding materials formed after the manner of those illustrated in FIG.13A and FIG. 14A;

FIG. 15B illustrates a transverse cross section of the wall system ofFIG. 15A taken along section O-O;

FIG. 16A illustrates a front view a wall system constructed inaccordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention,wherein the wall system comprises a two-part design with plurality ofbuilding materials formed after the manner of those illustrated in FIG.1A and FIG. 13A;

FIG. 16B illustrates a transverse cross section of the wall system ofFIG. 16A taken along section P-P;

FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of a wall system constructed inaccordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention,wherein the wall system comprises a plurality of constructional buildingmaterials formed after the manner of the present invention combined withbuilding materials of a more traditional design, namely standard bricks;

FIG. 18A illustrates a constructional building material in accordancewith still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18B illustrates a front view of the constructional buildingmaterial of FIG. 18A;

FIG. 19A illustrates a wall system constructed in accordance withanother exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the wallsystem comprises a plurality of building materials formed after themanner of those illustrated in FIG. 18A;

FIG. 19B illustrates a front view of the wall system of FIG. 19A;

FIG. 20 illustrates a constructional building material in accordancewith still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21 illustrates a wall system constructed in accordance with anotherexemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the wall systemcomprises a plurality of building materials formed after the manner ofthose illustrated in FIG. 20;

FIG. 22A illustrates a constructional building material in accordancewith still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22B illustrates a transverse cross section of the constructionalbuilding material of FIG. 22A taken along section V-V;

FIG. 23A illustrates a constructional building material in accordancewith yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 23B illustrates a transverse cross section of the constructionalbuilding material of FIG. 23A taken along section W-W;

FIG. 24A illustrates a constructional building material in accordancewith another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 24B illustrates a transverse cross section of the constructionalbuilding material of FIG. 24A taken along section X-X;

FIG. 25A illustrates a wall system constructed in accordance withanother exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the wallsystem comprises a plurality of building materials formed after themanner of those illustrated in FIG. 24A; and

FIG. 25B illustrates a transverse cross section of the wall system ofFIG. 25A taken along section Y-Y.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of theinvention makes reference to the accompanying drawings, which form apart hereof and in which are shown, by way of illustration, exemplaryembodiments in which the invention may be practiced. While theseexemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable thoseskilled in the art to practice the invention, it should be understoodthat other embodiments may be realized and that various changes to theinvention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent invention. Thus, the following more detailed description of theembodiments of the present invention is not intended to limit the scopeof the invention, as claimed, but is presented for purposes ofillustration only to describe the features and characteristics of thepresent invention, and to sufficiently enable one skilled in the art topractice the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present inventionis to be defined solely by the appended claims.

The following detailed description and exemplary embodiments of theinvention will be best understood by reference to the accompanyingdrawings, wherein the elements and features of the invention aredesignated by numerals and letters throughout.

At the outset, the term “constructional building material” shall beunderstood to mean a brick or brick-like structure that can be used incombination with like brick or brick-like structures (or even withdissimilar brick or brick-like structures if desired) in theconstruction of a barrier, wall, support, or other similar structure.

The term “base section” shall be understood to mean the primary loadbearing portion(s) of the constructional building material, and theportion(s) that serves as the primary base building structure forstacking a plurality of building materials (with or without the use ofmortar or other similar setting binder). The base section may comprise ablock-like structure, such as a cube or elongated cube (cuboid) that hasat least two substantially parallel surfaces, or may comprise ablock-like structure with at least two non-linear or curved surfaces,wherein, when stacked, a surface of one base structure matches or mateswith a surface of a second base structure.

The term “envelope boundary” shall be understood to mean the imaginaryboundary surrounding or enveloping the constructional building materialalong a longitudinal axis of the constructional building material, andthat extends between and beyond the end-most surfaces of theconstructional building material along the longitudinal axis. Theenvelope boundary is defined by the perimeter surface(s) of the basesection(s), wherein the envelope boundary lies along one or more pointsdefined by the largest cross-sectional area of the base section(s) takenorthogonal to the longitudinal axis.

The term “vane” shall be understood to mean a structure that extendsoutward from one or more base sections in one or more directions, andthat provides at least one surface that defines, at least in part, oneor more volumes of space about the surface or surfaces of the vane.Although portions of the vane may extend beyond the envelope boundary insome embodiments, each vane comprises a portion within the envelopeboundary that has a cross-sectional area that is less than thecross-sectional area of one or more base sections, the cross-sectionalareas being taken orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of theconstructional building material. Thus, the vane defines, at least inpart, a volume of space and a fluid flow path or channel about the oneor more vane surfaces.

The present invention provides several significant advantages over priorrelated constructional building materials. First, in some exemplaryembodiments, the present invention provides a unique brick or brick-likestructure designed to both increase fluid flow (e.g., air, water, etc.)through a formed wall system or other structure, and to provide up tocomplete visual obstruction through the wall system or other structure.The present invention constructional building material facilitatespassage of fluids through the opposing sides of a formed wall system(i.e., from one side to the other). The present invention constructionalbuilding material also provides enhanced visual obstruction through theportion of the wall or other structure formed with the present inventionconstructional building material. Indeed, in some exemplary embodimentsline of sight along an axis orthogonal to the vertical axis of the wallstructure is inhibited, keeping observers from viewing the inner areabounded by the wall structure. Third, the present inventionconstructional building material provides reduced wind loading orpressure on a wall system formed at least partially from the presentinvention constructional building material, thus allowing thinner, yetstronger, and more architecturally pleasing structures to be designedand built. Fourth, the present invention allows for controlleddirectional fluid flow through the wall structure by defining specificfluid flow paths using and positioning a combination of constructionalbuilding materials and their associated vanes. A user can dictate thedirectional fluid flow through the wall by selecting building materialshaving a desired configuration, particularly a desired vaneconfiguration, and arranging these into a strategic assembly orformation.

One noteworthy advantage or benefit of a wall system formed at least inpart from some of the embodiments of the present invention buildingmaterials is that the resulting wall system (or rather the part formedwith the present invention building materials if not formed entirelyfrom the present invention building materials) may be constructed onlyone layer deep or thick (e.g., a single layer deep of stacked buildingmaterials), while still providing for air flow through the wall system,as well as up to complete or total visual obstruction. In other words,unlike prior related wall systems and methods for forming these, it isnot necessary in some embodiments of the present invention to requiretwo or more layers deep or thick of stacked building materials in aformed wall system to obtain the benefits of up to complete visualobstruction coupled simultaneously with fluid flow through the wallsystem. This is a significant advantage in that a brick wall having twoor more layers thick may be formed with a space between the layersproviding the same visual obstruction and air passage through the wallsystem. However, as the wall system is multiple layers thick, at leasttwice as many bricks and at least twice as much labor would be requiredto construct the wall system, thus greatly elevating the overall cost ofconstructing the wall system. In addition, the formed spaces would bevery difficult to access and clean, while being easy for dirt and otherdebris to accumulate therein.

In addition to the many functional advantages listed above, the presentinvention allows users to construct an aesthetically pleasingarchitectural structure.

Each of the above-recited advantages will be apparent in light of thedetailed description set forth below, with reference to the accompanyingdrawings. Indeed, one skilled in the art will appreciate that otheradvantages may be realized, other than those specifically recitedherein, upon practicing the present invention.

With specific reference to FIG. 1A-FIG. 1C, illustrated is aconstructional building material 10 according to an exemplary embodimentof the present invention, wherein the building material 10 comprises afirst base section 14 and a second base section 16, each defining anupper surface 24 and a lower surface 26. The first surface 24 and thesecond surface 26 are parallel or substantially parallel to one another.The first and second base sections 14 and 16 further define a frontsurface 32 and a rear surface 34. The first base section 14 comprises anintermediate surface 38 and a first end surface 28. The second basesection 16 comprises an intermediate surface 39 and a second end surface30. The first and second base sections 14 and 16 may comprise anelongated cube or block-like configuration as shown herein, or anothersuitable configuration, wherein the height H1 and the width W1 can bevaried as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art.

The first and second base sections 14 and 16 are the primary supportstructures designed to be the primary load-bearing portions of thebuilding material 10. In other words, the first and second base sections14 and 16 are the primary portions of the building material 10 stackedagainst adjacent base portions of similar or conventional buildingmaterials during formation of a wall or other structure. For example,the upper and lower surfaces 24 and 26 of the building material 10 inmost embodiments will receive the binding material (e.g., mortar) andserve as the building blocks of the building material 10 in theformation of at least a portion of a wall or other structure.

An imaginary envelope boundary 31 envelopes the constructional buildingmaterial 10 and extends along a longitudinal axis between and beyond theend most surfaces 28 and 30 of the construction brick material 10. Asillustrated in FIG. 1B by the dotted lines, the envelope boundary 31surrounds or envelopes the first surface 24, second surface 26, frontsurface 32 and rear surface 34 of the first base section 14. Likewise,the boundary 31 surrounds and envelopes the similar surfaces found onthe second base section 16. FIG. 1B further illustrates that thecross-sectional area of the envelope boundary 31 is defined by thelargest cross-sectional area of the first base section 14 as takenorthogonally (e.g. perpendicular) to the longitudinal axis of thebuilding material 10. Additionally, as FIG. 1C illustrates, the envelopeboundary 31 may be thought of as extending in both directions beyond theend most surfaces 28 and 30 of the base sections 14 and 16 and along thelongitudinal axis of the building material 10

Referring back to FIGS. 1A-1C, the constructional building material 10further comprises a vane 20 extending between the first and second basesections 14 and 16 designed to define, at least in part, a volume ofspace and a fluid flow path that provides the building material 10 witha structural component that facilitates airflow through a wall or otherstructure formed at least in part by one or more building materials 10,as described in more detail below. In other words, volumes of spaces 58and 60 are defined when the cross-sectional area of the vane 20, takenwithin the envelope boundary 31, is less than the cross-sectional areaof the base section 14 (e.g., such as that taken along the intermediatesurfaces 38 and 39). If a vane 20 has any portion that extends outsidethe envelope boundary 31, as will be discussed below in detail, then thecross-sectional area of the portion that extends beyond the envelopeboundary 31 will be excluded when relating the cross-sectional area ofthe vane to the base sections to define the volumes of space. Further,it will be understood that in the event the cross-sectional area of thevane 20, within the envelope boundary, is equal to the cross-sectionalof the base section 14, then no volumes of space will exist or bedefined.

In the embodiment shown, the vane 20 comprises an upper surface 36, anda lower surface 37 that is substantially parallel to the first surface36. The structure of the vane 20 is such that it extends outward andaway from the first base section 14 and towards, and in this casebetween, the second base section 16 along a longitudinal axis and isorientated on an incline with respect to the upper and lower surfaces 24and 26 of the base section 14. Thus, the length of the vane 20 can beunderstood to mean, in some aspects, the distance the vane 20 extendsoutward from the first base section 14 before terminating. The firstsurface 36 of the vane 20 is shown as extending on an incline at anangle β, as measured from the upper surface 24. The first surface 36 ofthe vane 20 extends from a location about the first surface 24 offset adistance from the rear surface 34, and towards the second surface 26without extending between these. In other words, as shown, the firstsurface 36 of the vane 20 can be configured to extend from the uppersurface 24 to the front surface 32, without extending entirely betweenthe upper and lower surfaces 24 and 26. In this configuration,transition surfaces 41 and 43 are provided for and defined.

Likewise, the lower surface 37 of the vane 20, being parallel orsubstantially parallel to the upper surface 36, is shown extending on anincline from a location about the rear surface 34 offset a distance fromthe upper surface 24 towards the lower surface 26. In other words, asshown, the lower surface 37 of the vane 20 can be configured to extendfrom the rear surface 34 to the lower surface 26 without extendingentirely between the upper and lower surfaces 24 and 26. In thisconfiguration, transition surfaces 45 and 47 are provided for anddefined. In other embodiments, as will be described below, the vanesurface 36 may extend from the upper surface 24 to the lower surface 26.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, the vane 20 extends betweenfirst and second base sections 14 and 16 to make up the structuralcomponents of the building material 10. In this configuration, the vane20 also operates to define, at least in part a volume of space 58, aboutthe vane surface 36 within the envelope boundary 31. The vane 20 furtheroperates to define, at least in part, a volume of space 60 about thelower vane surface 37 within the envelope boundary 31. Volumes of spaces58 and 60 define, at least partially, fluid flow paths about the upperand lower vane surfaces 36 and 37 of the vane 20 that facilitate thepassage and flow of fluid through a wall or other structural systemformed at least in part by the building material 10.

As can be seen, the upper and lower surfaces 36 and 37 of the vane 20are out of plane with the upper and lower surfaces 24 and 26 defined bythe first and second base sections 14 and 16, by the angle β. This anglemay vary as desired, as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art.As the surfaces of the vane 20 are out of plane with the surfaces of thebase sections 14 and 16 (e.g., oriented on an incline with respect tothese), and as the vane 20 comprises a thickness t that is less than theheight H1 of the base sections, and as the cross-sectional area of theportion of the vane within the envelope boundary is less than thecross-sectional area of the base sections, as discussed above,intermediate surfaces 38 and 39 are provided, which surfaces alsofunction to assist in defining the volume of space 58. The volumes ofspace 58 and 60 created by the upper and lower vane surfaces 36 and 37are separated from one another by the vane 20.

The vane 20 may further comprise multiple edges that make up and definethe general configuration of the vane 20, such as edges 42, 46, 50, 54,59, and 62. The location of these edges may vary depending upon theconfiguration of vane desired. For example, depending upon the angle β,the edges may be located at various locations along the respectivesurfaces of end sections, wherein the height H2 and the width W2 may becaused to be different distances than shown in the drawings. Again,various aspects of the vane (and of the base sections) may be differentthan shown here, as will be shown below, and as will be appreciated bythose skilled in the art. Indeed, other exemplary embodiments ofbuilding materials formed in accordance with the present invention aredescribed below.

In one aspect, the building material can comprise a masonry type brickor brick-like structure (e.g., one made from clay, clay composites,ceramics, stone, shale, soft slate, calcium silicate, concrete, shapedfrom quarried stone, etc.). In another aspect, the building material cancomprise a synthetic or plastic brick or brick-like structure. In stillanother aspect, the building material may comprise a hybrid of differenttypes of materials, for example, one comprised of masonry type basesection(s) with a plastic or composite vane. Of course, the buildingmaterial may be comprised of other available materials, as will beappreciated by those skilled in the art, thus those listed here shouldnot be construed as being limiting in any way.

Further, while the constructional building material may be a single(e.g., monolithic) structure, the constructional building material mayalso be comprised of independent components that fit or otherwiseoperate with one another (e.g., modular components), which may beremovable with one another. For example, the first and second basesections may be independent of the vane component, wherein the vane maybe coupled to or otherwise secured to or with one or more base sections.

FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate a constructional building material in accordancewith another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In thisembodiment, the constructional building material 210 comprises first andsecond base sections 214 and 216 similar to those described above, thesedefining, at least in part, an upper surface 224, a lower surface 226, afront surface 232, a rear surface 234, an intermediary surface 238 andan end surface 228. An imaginary envelope boundary (not shown, butsimilar to the one discussed above) surrounds or envelopes the uppersurface 224, lower surface 226, front surface 232 and rear surface 234.The imaginary envelope boundary can also be thought to extend beyond theend most surfaces of the base sections of the building material 210,along a longitudinal axis. The building material further comprises avane 220 extending between first and second base sections 214 and 216and having opposing upper and lower vane surfaces 236 and 237 that areparallel or substantially parallel to one another, also similar to theembodiment described above.

However, in this particular embodiment, the vane 220 extends upwards adistance h beyond the upper surface 224 of the first base section 214.Further, the vane 220 extends outside of the envelope boundary. Thedistance h may vary upon need or desire. In one exemplary embodiment,though not limiting, the distance h may correspond to the thickness of alayer of binding material (e.g., mortar) to be placed between two likebuilding materials 210 stacked together. The vane 220, and particularlythe portion extending upward beyond the upper surface 224, may functionto further obstruct visibility through two like building materials 210stacked together. For instance, in the event two constructional buildingmaterials 210 formed in accordance with the embodiment shown in FIGS.2A-2C were stacked on top of one another, with a binding material(mortar) between them, line of sight through the resulting structurealong an axis orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the frontsurfaces of the structure would be blocked as long as the distance h thevane extends upwards beyond the upper surface 224 matched or exceededthe thickness of the mortar between the stacked building materials. Thisfeature provides increased functionality above the constructionalbuilding material described above and shown in FIGS. 1A-1C. In thatembodiment, referring back, stacking two like building materials 10 ontop of one another, with mortar between them, would leave a gap betweenthe two adjacent vanes that would provide visibility directly throughthe resulting structure, and particularly along a line of sightorthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the front surfaces of thestacked structures. On the other hand, with the embodiment shown inFIGS. 2A-2C, the lower vane, with its extended portion, wouldessentially close what would otherwise be a similar gap, thus cuttingoff visibility through the resulting structure of two stackedconstructional building materials between adjacent vanes. This isdescribed in further detail below.

Referring back to FIGS. 2A-2C, the vane 220 is configured to extendupward and away from the front surface 232 at an inclined having anangle 13 towards and through the upper surface 224. The angle of thevane 220, represented by the angle β, may vary according to designpreferences, or as needed, as will be appreciated by those skilled inthe art. In addition, as is shown here, the vane 220 is not limited tobeing constrained within the planes defined by the upper and lowersurfaces 224 and 226, respectively, but may extend beyond one or both ofthese surfaces. Additionally, while the vane 220 may extend beyond theupper and lower surfaces 224 and 226 and thus beyond the envelopeboundary, it may be contained within the planes defined by the front andrear surfaces 232 and 234, respectively, of the base sections 214 and216. However, as will be described below and shown in other drawings,this is not to be limiting in any way. Similar to the embodimentdescribed in FIGS. 1A-1C, the vane 220 provides two parallel surfacesthat define, at least in part, volumes of space 258 and 260. Thesevolumes of space 258 and 260 are further defined, at least in part, bythe cross-sectional area of the vane 220, within the envelope boundarybeing less than the cross-sectional area of one of the base sections 214or 216. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the portion ofthe vane 220 compared to the cross-sectional area of at least one of thebase sections 214 or 216, and used to define the volumes of space 258and 260 within the envelope boundary, does not include any of theportion of the vane outside of the envelope boundary (e.g. that portionhaving a height h). Further, these volumes of space define, at least inpart, a fluid flow path that facilitates airflow about the vane.

FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a constructionalbuilding material in accordance with the present invention. In thisembodiment, the constructional building material 310 comprises a firstbase section 314 and a second base section 316 similar to thosediscussed above, comprising or defining an upper surface 324, a lowersurface 326, a front surface 332 and a rear surface 334 of the buildingmaterial. An imaginary envelope boundary (not shown, but similar tothose discussed above) surrounds or envelops the upper surface 324,lower surface 326, front surface 332 and rear surface 334, the imaginaryenvelope boundary also extending outwards beyond the end most surfacesof the base sections of the building material, along a longitudinalaxis. The building material 310 further comprises end surfaces (see endsurface 328), and intermediate surfaces (see intermediate surface 338)similar to those described above.

In this particular embodiment, the constructional building material 310further comprises a plurality of vanes. Specifically, the buildingmaterial 310 comprises a first vane 320 and a second vane 322, each ofwhich may be configured similarly, and each of which may comprise upperand lower surfaces (see upper and lower surfaces 336 and 337 of thefirst vane 320, and upper and lower surfaces 340 and 342 of the secondvane 322) similar to those described above. The first and second vanes320 and 322 extend between the first and second base sections 314 and316, and are vertically disposed relative to one another. The first andsecond vanes 320 and 322 are also configured to be parallel to oneanother, and function to define, at least in part, a plurality ofvolumes of space (see volumes 358, 360 and 362) that facilitate the flowof fluid about the surfaces of the vanes. Further, the volumes of space358, 360 and 362 are in part defined by the combined cross-sectionalareas of the portions of the vanes 320 and 322 within the envelopeboundary being less than the cross-sectional area of one of the basesections.

With two or more adjacent vanes, the building material 310 furtherfunctions to define a fluid flow path 356, wherein air or other fluidsmay pass through the building material about the surfaces of the firstand second vanes 320 and 322. It will be appreciated that the fluid flowpath, or direction of fluid flow, may be manipulated by theconfiguration of the base section(s) and vane(s) of the buildingmaterial.

The fluid flow path 356 is defined by the lower surface 337 of the firstvane 320 and the upper surface 340 of the second vane 322, as shown. Inthis case, fluid is able to pass over these surfaces through thebuilding material 310, thus allowing the building material to provide aventilation function either alone or in combination with other similaror dissimilar building materials. Again, it will be recognized that theconfiguration and orientation of the base sections and vanes may bedifferent than shown, and therefore the fluid flow path may beconfigured differently than as shown. For example, although theconstructional building material embodiment of FIGS. 3A and 3B comprisesa base section and vane configuration more similar to that shown inFIGS. 1A-1C, it could also comprise a vane configuration more similar tothe embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-2C. However, this is not intended to belimiting in any way.

Moreover, although not described in detail herein, it is contemplatedthat a single present invention building material can comprise anynumber of base sections and vanes, as will be appreciated by thoseskilled in the art. In addition, the building material may be configuredto comprise similarly or differently configured vanes.

With reference to FIGS. 4A-4C, illustrated is another exemplaryembodiment of the constructional building material in accordance withthe present invention. This particular embodiment is similar to thosediscussed above in many respects. For instance, the building material410 comprises first and second base sections 414 and 416. However, thebuilding material 410 further comprises a first vane 420 and a secondvane 422 extending between the first and second base sections 414 and416, wherein the first and second vanes 420 and 422 are configured so asto provide and define a volume of space 438 and a corresponding fluidflow path 456 through the building material 410 that facilitates theflow of fluid through the building material 410. The volume of space 438and the fluid flow path 456 are defined at least in part by the surface436 of the vane 420, the surface 440 of the vane 422, and intermediatesurfaces of the first and second base sections 414 and 416, respectively(see intermediate surface 438 of the first base section 414). Thecombined cross-sectional area of vanes 420 and 422 is less than thecross-sectional area of one of the base sections 414 or 416.

The fluid flow path 456 defines a multi-directional fluid flow path,wherein fluid is caused to travel along a diverted path and in adirection other than along a straight line when passing from the frontsurface to the rear surface (or vice versa) of the building material410. In this case, fluid may enter the building material 410 about theintersection of the upper and front surfaces 424 and 432, travel aboutthe two opposing surfaces 436 and 440 of the first and second vanes 420and 422, and exit the building material about the intersection of thelower and rear surfaces 426 and 434, respectively. Of course, fluid mayflow in a direction opposite this as well.

FIGS. 5A-5E illustrate an exemplary wall system (or at least a portionthereof) constructed or formed from a plurality of constructionalbuilding materials having a configuration in accordance with oneexemplary embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, thesefigures illustrate that the wall system 510 may comprise a plurality ofconstruction building materials 564, 566, and 568 as described above andshown in FIGS. 1A-1C. Although three of such building materials areshown stacked upon one another, this is not limiting in any way as anynumber of stacked building materials may be used.

The constructional building materials 564, 566 and 568 are essentiallystacked relative to one another along a vertical axis, and positioned inproximity with one another, these being separated and secured togetherby a binding material, such as a mortar layer 596. The respective basesections of the several building materials function as the buildingblocks to facilitate stacking of the building materials in a verticalorientation, such as to form at least part of a wall system. As shown,the first building material 564 comprises first and second base sections514 and 516, and a vane 520. Second and third building materials 566 and568 are configured with similar base section and vane elements. The basesections of each of the building materials further comprise upper andlower surfaces, front and rear surfaces and end surfaces. To secure thebuilding materials in place, a binding material or mortar may be placedbetween adjacent building materials about the surfaces of the basesections. The base sections of the adjacent building materials may bebrought into position and properly aligned relative to one another.

By positioning two or more of the exemplary building materials of thepresent invention shown here in a stacked relationship, the respectivevanes of the building materials are also positioned so as to define, atleast in part, one or more common volumes of space. In the wall system510, the vane 520 of the first building material 564 and the vane 576 ofthe second building material 566 are positioned so as to form and definea common volume of space 584, and a corresponding fluid flow path 588between them. Likewise, the vane 576 of the second building material 566and the vane 580 of the third building material 568 are positioned so asto form and define a common volume of space 592, and a correspondingfluid flow path 594 between them.

Together, the fluid flow paths 588 and 594 facilitate air flow throughthe wall system 510 from one side to the other as indicated by thearrows. Specifically, the wall system 510 comprises opposing sides, forexample, a front side 560 and a rear side 562. When fluid, such as air,travels towards the wall system 510, rather than being impeded causing abuildup of pressure and increased wind loading, such as would occur witha traditional solid brick wall, the air passes through the wall system510 via the formed fluid flow paths 588 and 594. When the pressure fromwind loading is great, either a more robust wall may be required towithstand the resulting forces, or the wall may be configured as taughtherein to facilitate passage of air through the wall. A thicker wall maynot be ideal when constructing a wall system that is intended to berobust, but also efficient, inexpensive, aesthetic, or a combination ofthese. Here, the fluid flow paths 588 and 594 function to reduce theforces or loading acting on the wall system 510 caused by the movementof air (e.g., from the wind, high speed fans, etc.) by providing a wayfor the fluid to pass completely through the wall system at variouslocations. As such, the wall system 510 of the present invention may bedesigned in accordance with specifications that are less rigorous thanwould otherwise be required of a prior related wall for the sameapplication. For example, for a given application, a wall systemconstructed from building materials formed after the manner describedherein, would be subject to less wind loading as compared to a solidwall, the degree of the reduction of loading depending upon the numberand configuration of the fluid flow paths formed therein. Essentially,for comparable walls of similar dimensions and construction, wherein onewall is solid and the other is formed after the manner taught herein,the present invention wall system will be stronger as it is able toreduce the forces acting upon it from a given fluid flow.

In addition, although it may be possible to construct a wall havingsufficient durability for a given application, wherein the wall alsofunctions to provide air flow through the wall, this is typically doneusing multiple layers (in terms of the depth or thickness of the wall)of stacked conventional building materials or bricks. Air flow throughsuch a wall structure is provided by strategically positioning thebricks so as to create or form voids or spaces throughout the layersthat define a fluid flow channel that facilitates air flow through thewall structure. Although visual obstruction may be up to total dependingupon the particular configuration, a wall constructed in this mannerrequires multiple layers, increased design consideration, etc., thusgreatly increasing labor and expense.

It will also be appreciate that the wall system 510 can be constructedin a variety of ways. For example, if each constructional buildingmaterial comprised a masonry type brick, then a binding material, suchas mortar, may be used to secure the constructional building materialstogether. On the other hand, if each constructional building materialcomprised a synthetic or plastic brick, then a binding material, such asan adhesive, could be used to secure the constructional buildingmaterials together. It will be further appreciated that there can beother ways in with the constructional building materials can be securedtogether to construct a wall system.

In regards to the capacity of the wall system of the present inventionto provide visual obstruction while simultaneously providing airflowthrough the wall, the degree or level of obstruction can depend onseveral factors. There are situations and applications in which completevisual obstruction through the wall structure may be required and/ordesired. On the other hand, something less than total (i.e., partial)visual obstruction through the wall structure may be sufficient or evendesired. The level of visual obstruction may be a factor of the type ofbuilding material used (i.e., the particular configuration of the basesection(s) and/or vane(s)), the construction of the wall, the line ofsight available to observers, and in some instances the thickness of thebinding material. Other factors not identified here may also come intoplay. It is contemplated that a wall system can be constructed thatobstructs an observer's vision from any angle. For example, whenconstructing a wall system to surround and conceal an object, such as anair conditioner compressor unit, the wall system can be constructed inaccordance with the wall system 510 as illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5E so asto provide partial visual obstruction through the wall system. Due tothe given inclined orientation of the vanes, the wall system 510 canblock, or at least highly obstruct, vision from an observer lookingdownward at a certain angle through the wall system 510. However, a lineof sight along an axis orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to thevertical surface of the wall will not be obstructed. As shown, thebinding material 596 causes adjacent building materials to be spacedapart a distance so as to create a gap 598 between the upper and lowersurfaces of the adjacent building materials. This gap, which isparticularly located about the adjacent vanes (the mortar being presentonly between adjacent base sections), allows a direct line of sightthrough the wall structure along an axis orthogonal to the verticalsurface of the wall, and within a certain range of inclines both aboveand below this axis. Of course, a line of sight through the wall 510will also exist along an axis (and a range of inclines above and belowthis axis) parallel or substantially parallel to the adjacent vanes, orrather the surfaces of the vanes.

In some cases, it may desirable to allow for line of sight visionthrough a wall system, particularly where the lines of sight may bespecifically and strategically controlled by the configuration of thebuilding material used, and the way in which a wall is constructed usingthese. For instance, if there is a line of sight that can be observedthrough a wall system, then light can also pass through that same lineof sight. One application where this may be advantageous is a gardensetting or for a back yard patio. A wall system could be constructedthat permits sunlight to penetrate through the wall system only within acertain range of positions of the sun. The wall system may beconstructed to block sunlight that shines below a 45° angle, thusallowing sunlight to shine through the wall system during the day, andto block sunlight when the sun drops closer to the horizon. Likewise, asimilarly constructed wall system can control the amount and timing ofsunlight that a garden receives, thus enhancing conditions for growth.

As discussed, the wall system 510 comprises a layer of binding materialor mortar between adjacent building materials that creates a space orgap allowing direct line of sight vision through the wall system.However, contemplated herein are other exemplary wall systems formedfrom other exemplary building materials that provide up to complete ortotal visual obstruction through the wall system, while stillfacilitating the passage of fluid through the wall system, whether ornot a binding material layer is present.

With reference to FIGS. 6A-6B, illustrated is an exemplary wall system610 formed in accordance with the present invention, wherein the wallsystem 610 provides total visual obstruction at or above a horizontalline of sight. The wall system 610 is comprised of the same type ordesign of constructional building materials as described above and shownin FIGS. 1A-1C, and 5A-5E. However, unlike the wall system 510 shown inFIGS. 5A-5E, the wall system 610 shown here comprises no bindingmaterial between adjacent building materials. Because no bindingmaterial is employed in this wall system 610, adjacent bricks arestacked directly on top of one another, thus providing no gap betweenadjacent building materials. Therefore, line of sight through the wallsystem 610 is only provided along an axis parallel to the vanes of thebuilding materials (and within a limited range of inclines above andbelow this axis), and particularly their surfaces, as oriented on anincline. Line of sight along an axis orthogonal or substantiallyorthogonal to the vertical surface of the wall system is totallyobstructed as the upper and lower surfaces of the building materials arecaused to be in contact with one another, even about the vanes.

The wall system 610 comprises a plurality of building materials, namelybuilding materials 664, 666 and 668. As shown, the first buildingmaterial 664 comprises first and second base sections 614 and 616, and avane 620. Second and third building materials 666 and 668 are configuredwith similar base section and vane elements. The base sections of eachof the building materials further comprise upper and lower surfaces,front and rear surfaces and end surfaces.

By positioning two or more of the exemplary building materials of thepresent invention shown here in a stacked relationship, the respectivevanes of the building materials are also positioned so as to define, atleast in part, one or more common volumes of space. In the wall system610, the vane 620 of the first building material 664 and the vane 676 ofthe second building material 666 are positioned so as to form and definea common volume of space 684, and a corresponding fluid flow path 688between them. Likewise, the vane 676 of the second building material 666and the vane 680 of the third building material 668 are positioned so asto form and define a common volume of space 692, and a correspondingfluid flow path 694 between them. Together, the fluid flow paths 688 and694 facilitate air flow through the wall system 610 from one side to theother as indicated by the arrows. The wall system 610 comprises opposingsides, for example, a front side 660 and a rear side 662.

FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate a constructional building material in accordancewith yet another exemplary embodiment. In many respects, theconstructional building material 710 is similar to the differentconstructional building materials described above, comprising first andsecond base sections 714 and 716 defining, at least in part, an uppersurface 724, a lower surface 726, a front surface 732, a rear surface734, and end surfaces (see end surface 728). The base sections 714 and716 comprise an elongated cube or block-like configuration with opposingsurfaces being substantially parallel to one another, namely upper andlower surfaces 724 and 726, front and rear surfaces 732 and 734, and theend surfaces, respectively. An imaginary envelope boundary (not shown,but similar to those discussed above) surrounds or envelops the uppersurface 724, lower surface 726, front surface 732 and rear surface 734of the base section. The envelope boundary may also be considered toextend outward from the end most surfaces of the building material,along a longitudinal axis. The base section 714 further comprises ordefines an intermediate surface 738, with base section 716 comprising asimilar intermediate surface (not shown).

The constructional building material 710 further comprises a vane 720having an upper vane surface 736, and a lower vane surface 737. The vane720 extends between the first and second base sections 714 and 716, anddefines, at least in part, a volume of space 758 about the upper vanesurface 736 and a volume of space 760 about the lower vane surface 737.As in other embodiments, the volumes of space 758 and 760 are defined,at least in part, by the vane 720, wherein the cross-sectional area ofthe vane 720 within the envelope boundary being less than thecross-sectional area of one of the base sections 714 or 716. Thesevolumes of space, together with the vane 720, help to define, at leastin part, a fluid flow path that facilitates the passage of fluid througha wall or other structure formed at least in part from the buildingmaterial 710.

In this particular embodiment, the vane 720 comprises a curvedconfiguration (e.g., a semi-circular cross-sectional configuration) asviewed from the cross-section of FIG. 7B. The apex or uppermost point ofthe curved vane 720 is coplanar and tangential with the upper surface724 of the building material 710 as defined by the base sections 714 and716. However, the uppermost point of the curved vane 720 may be disposedat a lower or higher elevation. In other words, the curved vane 720 maybe disposed between the base sections at various locations along avertical axis. The vane 720 further comprises a thickness t that mayvary with design. Moreover, the upper and lower surfaces of the vane maycomprise a radius r₁ and r₂, respectively, that may vary with design.The curved vane is shown as being symmetrical, but this is not intendedto be limiting in any way as the vane may also comprise an asymmetricalconfiguration, or some other configuration. As will be appreciated bythose skilled in the art, a variety of functional and aesthetic vaneconfigurations can be employed.

FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate an exemplary wall system (or at least a portionthereof) constructed or formed from a plurality constructional buildingmaterials having a configuration in accordance with that shown in FIGS.7A-7B. Specifically, these figures illustrate that the wall system 810may comprise a plurality of construction building materials 864, 866,and 868, as described above.

The constructional building materials 864, 866 and 868 are essentiallystacked relative to one another along a vertical axis, and positioned inproximity with one another, these being separated and secured togetherby a binding material, such as a mortar layer 896. The respective basesections of the several building materials function as the buildingblocks to facilitate stacking of the building materials in a verticalorientation, such as to form at least part of the wall system 810. Asshown, the first building material 864 comprises first and second basesections 814 and 816, and a vane 820. Second and third buildingmaterials 866 and 868 are configured with similar base section and vaneelements. The base sections of each of the building materials furthercomprise upper and lower surfaces, front and rear surfaces and endsurfaces.

By positioning two or more of the exemplary building materials of thepresent invention shown here in a stacked relationship, the respectivevanes of the building materials are also positioned so as to define, atleast in part, one or more common volumes of space. In the wall system810, the vane 820 of the first building material 864 and the vane 876 ofthe second building material 866 are positioned so as to form and definea common volume of space 884, and a corresponding fluid flow path 888between them. Likewise, the vane 876 of the second building material 866and the vane 880 of the third building material 868 are positioned so asto form and define a common volume of space 892, and a correspondingfluid flow path 894 between them.

Together, the fluid flow paths 888 and 894 facilitate airflow throughthe wall system 810 from one side to the other as indicated by thearrows. Specifically, the wall system 810 comprises opposing sides, forexample, a front side 860 and a rear side 862. When fluid, such as air,travels towards the wall system 810, rather than being impeded causing abuildup of pressure and increased wind loading, such as would occur witha traditional solid brick wall, the air passes through the wall system810 via the formed fluid flow paths 888 and 894.

FIGS. 9A-9B illustrate a constructional building material in accordancewith yet another exemplary embodiment. In many respects, theconstructional building material 910 is similar to the variousconstructional building materials described above, and thus the similarelements and features are not discussed in detail. However, in thisparticular embodiment, the building material 910 comprises first andsecond base sections 914 and 916, and a vane 920 extending therebetween,wherein the vane 920 comprises an open triangular cross-sectionalconfiguration. The cross-sectional area of the vane 920 is less than thecross-sectional area of one of the base sections 914 or 916 to definevolumes of space above and below the surfaces of the vane 920 (seedotted lines).

FIGS. 10A-10B illustrate an exemplary wall system (or at least a portionthereof) constructed or formed from a plurality constructional buildingmaterials having a configuration in accordance with that shown in FIGS.9A-9B. Specifically, these figures illustrate that the wall system 1010may comprise a plurality of construction building materials 1064, 1066,and 1068, as described above, that may be secured together by a bindingmaterial, such as a mortar layer 1096. Each of the first buildingmaterials may comprise first and second base sections, and a vaneextending between these. By positioning two or more of the exemplarybuilding materials of the present invention shown here in a stackedrelationship, the respective vanes of the building materials are alsopositioned so as to define, at least in part, one or more common volumesof space, shown as volumes of space 1084 and 1092, and correspondingfluid flow channels 1088 and 1094, respectively, that facilitates airflow through the wall system 1010 from one side to the other asindicated by the arrows, and as described above.

As shown, the building materials of the wall system 1010 are securedtogether using a layer of binding material 1096. With the bindingmaterial present, the wall system 1010 will provide only partial visualobstruction due to a gap formed between adjacent building materials,thus creating a line of sight directly through the wall along an axisorthogonal to the vertical surface of the wall system. If no bindingmaterial is present, total visual obstruction can be obtained as thebuilding materials will be stacked directly on top of one another, withthe vanes further obstructing line of sight vision through the wallsystem as a result of the changing of direction of the surfaces makingup the vanes. This concept is similar to the one discussed above inreference to FIGS. 5A-5E, and 6A-6B; only the vane is configureddifferently in this embodiment.

FIG. 11A-FIG. 11B illustrate a constructional building material inaccordance with yet another exemplary embodiment. In many respects, theconstructional building material 1110 is similar to the variousconstructional building materials described above, and thus the similarelements and features are not discussed in detail. However, in thisparticular embodiment, the building material 1110 comprises first andsecond base sections 1114 and 1116, and a vane 1120 extendingtherebetween, wherein the vane 1120 comprises an open triangularcross-sectional configuration. The vane 1120 is further configured toextend a distance d beyond the lower surface 1126 of the buildingmaterial 1110 (and below the imaginary envelope boundary defined by thebase sections) so as to further obstruct visibility through two likebuilding materials 1110 stacked together with a binder material layerpresent between them. The various volumes of space are defined, at leastin part, by the cross-sectional area of the portion of the vane 1120within the imaginary envelope boundary being less than thecross-sectional area of one of the base sections 1114 or 1116.

FIGS. 12A-12B illustrate an exemplary wall system (or at least a portionthereof) constructed or formed from a plurality constructional buildingmaterials having a configuration in accordance with that shown in FIGS.11A-11B. Specifically, these figures illustrate that the wall system1210 may comprise a plurality of construction building materials 1264,1266, and 1268, as described above, that may be secured together by abinding material, such as a mortar layer 1296. Each of the firstbuilding materials may comprise first and second base sections, and avane extending between these. By positioning two or more of theexemplary building materials of the present invention shown here in astacked relationship, the respective vanes of the building materials arealso positioned so as to define, at least in part, one or more commonvolumes of space, shown as volumes of space 1284 and 1292, andcorresponding fluid flow channels 1288 and 1294, respectively, thatfacilitates air flow through the wall system 1210 from one side to theother as indicated by the arrows, and as described above.

In addition, the vanes are configured so as to provide complete visualobstruction through the wall system 1210. Essentially, the extendedportion of the vane covers what may otherwise be a gap created betweentwo adjacent building materials due to the presence of the bindermaterial between building materials. In addition, as the vanes comprisea nonplanar surface and a change in direction (due to the vane surfacescomprising portions oriented along different axes or in differentplanes), no line of sight exists through the wall system from one sideto the other.

The present invention further contemplates a wall system or otherstructure formed, at least in part, by two or more building materialshaving different structural configurations that are strategicallydesigned to work or operate in concert to provide fluid flow and atleast partial visual obstruction characteristics. The respectiveindividual building materials involved in providing a multiple-part(e.g., two-part) design may be referred to as Part A, Part B, . . . ,Part n. The multiple-part design provides similar advantages as theother building materials discussed herein, namely fluid flow or passagethrough a wall or other structure formed from the building materials.

FIGS. 13A-13B illustrate a constructional building material inaccordance with still another exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention, wherein the constructional building material 1310 comprises afirst part, Part A, of a two-part design (see FIGS. 15A-15B). In thisembodiment, the Part A building material 1310 comprises elements similarto those discussed above, namely first and second end sections 1314 and1316. The building material 1310 further comprises first and secondvanes 1336 and 1340 extending between the first and second end sections1314 and 1316. The first and second vanes 1336 and 1340 are orientedvertically, and are parallel or substantially parallel to one another.The first and second vanes 1336 and 1340 are spaced apart so as toprovide and define, at least in part, a volume of space 1358therebetween. The first vane 1336 comprises a front surface that iscoplanar with a front surface of the base sections 1314 and 1316.Likewise, the second vane section comprises a rear surface that iscoplanar with a rear surface of the base sections 1314 and 1316. Ofcourse, this is not to be limiting in any way, as the first and secondvanes 1336 and 1340 may be located in a position offset from the varioussurfaces of the base sections 1314 and 1316 (e.g., located closertogether). The first and second vanes 1336 and 1340 further comprise auniform thickness t₁ and t₂, respectively, which may be, but is notlimited to being, the same. In addition, as with any of the vanes of thepresent invention described herein, the first and second vanes 1336 and1340 may comprise a non-uniform thickness. The combined cross-sectionalarea of vanes 1336 and 1340 is less than the cross-sectional area of oneof the base sections 1314 or 1316 to define, at least in part, thevolume of space 1358.

FIGS. 14A-14B illustrate a constructional building material inaccordance with still another exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention, wherein the constructional building material 1410 comprises asecond part, Part B, of a two-part design (see FIGS. 15A-15B). In thisembodiment, the Part B building material 1410 comprises elements similarto those discussed above, namely first and second end sections 1414 and1416. The building material 1410 further comprises a vane 1436 extendingbetween the first and second end sections 1414 and 1416. The vane 1436is oriented vertically, and comprises a thickness t. The vane 1436 isfurther located in a central position offset from the various surfacesof the base sections 1314 and 1316 so as to provide and define, at leastin part, volumes of space 1458 and 1460. The vane 1436 of course may belocated in a different position rather than being centrally located aswill be appreciated by one skilled in the art. Again, thecross-sectional area of vane 1436 is less than the cross-sectional areaof one of the base sections.

With reference to FIGS. 15A-15B, illustrated is a wall system formed inaccordance with still another exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention. In this embodiment, the wall system 1510 is formed orconstructed, at least in part, using the multi-part building materialdesign discussed above. Specifically, the wall system 1510 comprises atwo-part design, wherein a Part A building material is positionedadjacent a Part B building material about a vertical axis (e.g., stackedin the vertical direction). The Part A building materials shown herein(1564 and 1568) are similar to the building material 1310 discussedabove and shown in FIGS. 13A-13B. The Part B building materials shownherein (1566 and 1570) are similar to the building material 1410discussed above and shown in FIGS. 14A-14B.

Each of the constructional building materials 1564, 1566, 1568, and 1570are configured with base section and vane elements similar to thosediscussed above, and are separated and secured together by a bindingmaterial, such as a mortar layer 1596. The respective vanes of theadjacently positioned building materials are positioned so as to define,at least in part, one or more common volumes of space. In the wallsystem 1510, the vanes 1576 and 1580 of the first Part A buildingmaterial 1564 and the vane 1582 of the first Part B building material1566 are positioned so as to form and define a common volume of space1584, and a corresponding fluid flow channel or path 1588.

As the wall system 1510 comprises two alternating Part A and Part Bbuilding materials, the common volume of space 1584 may be caused tomerge or join with another common volume of space, namely that formed ordefined by the vanes of the second Part A building material and the vaneof the second Part B building material, which are positioned so as toform and define a common volume of space 1592, and a corresponding fluidflow path 1594 between them. As can be seen, the configuration of thebuilding materials allows the common volume of space 1584 and the commonvolume of space 1592 to be combined into a single common volume of spacespanning the four building materials 1564, 1566, 1568 and 1570. As isshown by the arrows, additional fluid flow paths are defined through thewall system 1510 about the various vanes in the adjacent buildingmaterials. For instance, airflow entering one side (either of sides 1560or 1562) of the wall system 1510 through or about the Part B buildingmaterial 1566 may travel about a variety of fluid flow paths, such as 1)above and over the vane 1582 through the Part A building material 1564and out the other side of the wall system 1510 through the Part Bbuilding material 1566, 2) below and under the vane 1582 through thePart A building material 1568 and out the other side of the wall system1510 through the Part B building material 1566, 3) below and under thevane 1582 through the Part A building material 1568 and out the otherside of the wall system 1510 through the Part B building material 1570,or 4) through the Part A building material 1568 and out the same side ofthe wall through the Part B building material 1570. Similar fluid flowpaths may be available for airflow entering the wall system 1510 atother locations. Thus, although a two-part system, the fluid flowchannels 1588 and 1594 facilitate air flow through the wall system 1510from one side to the other as indicated by the arrows in a similarmanner as discussed above.

Although the wall system 1510 is shown as being constructed using abinding material 1596, such as mortar, the way system 1510 could beconstructed without such a binding material, wherein the individual PartA and Part B building materials may be placed directly in contact withone another. In this configuration, the fluid flow channels would stillfacilitate airflow through the wall system as air is able to enter intothe wall system from one side, travel about similar fluid flow pathsdiscussed above, and exit the opposing side of the wall system.

Moreover, as can be seen, multi-part building materials can be stackedin a sequential manner to form, at least in part, a wall system. In oneexample, such as that shown in FIGS. 15A-15B, the Part A buildingmaterial may be alternated with the Part B building material as often asneeded (e.g., Part A, Part B, Part A, Part B, and so on). In anotherexample, the wall system may comprise more of one particular Part thanthe other. For example, a wall system may be constructed with Part A andPart B building materials, with these being arranged in a Part B, PartA, Part A, Part A, Part B order. Of course, other orders are possibleand those discussed herein are not meant to be limiting in any way.

FIGS. 16A-16B illustrate a multi-part wall system formed in accordancewith another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In thisembodiment, the wall system 1610 comprises a Part A building material1664 having a similar configuration as the building material 10described above and shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, and a Part B building materialhaving a similar configuration as the building material 1310 describedabove and shown in FIGS. 13A-13B. The wall system 1610 is shown ascomprising the Part A building material 1664 positioned adjacent andabove the Part B building material 1666, which is positioned adjacentand above another Part A building material 1668, these being arranged ina stacked relationship having a binding material 1696 securing themtogether. The multi-part wall system is configured to provide fluid flowthrough the wall system upon having traveled about at least two rows ofbuilding materials, or at least two stacked building materials, and insome cases more than two. The vane configuration of a first buildingmaterial is designed to permit fluid flow to enter the wall system atone location through the volume of space within the first buildingmaterial. The vane configuration of a second building material, beingdifferent, is designed to direct the fluid, once within the wall system,along a fluid flow path within a fluid flow channel through the volumeof space within the second building material, which is located in adifferent row (e.g., a building material located in an above or belowposition). The fluid may exit at a location on an opposing side of thewall that is at the same or a different elevation than the location itentered, depending upon the different configurations of the variousvanes employed.

A common volume of space 1684 and an associated fluid flow channel 1688are defined, at least in part, by the arrangement of the threeindividual building materials 1664, 1666, and 1668, as well as therespective vanes of each of these, namely vane 1682 of the Part Abuilding material 1664, vanes 1676 and 1680 of the Part B buildingmaterial 1666, and vane 1683 of the Part A building material 1668. Assuch, fluid flow through the wall system 1610 is facilitated as in otherembodiments discussed herein. Although the wall system 1610 is shown ascomprising a single Part B building material, a plurality of Part Bbuilding materials may be positioned between two Part A buildingmaterials to provide as long a fluid flow path along a vertical axis asneeded or desired.

The above wall systems 1510 and 1610 are two examples of wall systemsthat can simultaneously facilitate airflow through, from one side to theother, a single deep layer of building materials (e.g., one buildingmaterial thick), and that can also provide controlled fluid flow througha plurality of defined fluid channels and associated flow paths,including those about multiple rows of building materials (e.g., severalbuilding materials high where the fluid flow path is directed at leastin part along a vertical axis). In addition, the above wall systems 1510and 1610 illustrate how fluid flow can be directionally controlled toenter at one elevation on one side of the wall system, pass through thewall system, and exit the wall system at another higher or lowerelevation. For example, in the case of an air conditioner unit, air canbe efficiently drawn through the wall system near the base of the unitand pushed out through the wall system near the top of the unit. Thus,fluid can be specifically controlled by strategically constructing awall system after the manner herein. One of skill in the art wouldappreciate the various configurations possible to control the directionof fluid flow using a wall system according to the present invention.

FIG. 17 illustrates a wall system formed in accordance with stillanother exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In thisparticular embodiment, the wall system 1710 comprises building materialsformed after the manner discussed herein, namely those with basesections and vanes extending therebetween, which are combined with moretraditional building materials, such substantially solid buildingmaterials or building materials having a uniform cross-section along alongitudinal axis (e.g., a standard, well known masonry brick). Asshown, the wall system 1710 comprises three layers or rows high ofpresent invention building materials 1764 positioned between a singlelayer or row of traditional building materials 1790 on each side, alonga vertical axis. This demonstrates how a wall system may be formed orconstructed after a more traditional manner, with select portions orsections of the wall system incorporating the building materials of thepresent invention, thus incorporating the benefits of fluid flow, up tototal vision obstruction, and reduced wind loading to more traditionalwalls. In other words, incorporating building materials of the presentinvention to a traditional wall can be used to create airflow “windows”at strategic locations.

FIGS. 18A-18B illustrate a constructional building material inaccordance with still another exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment,the building material 1810 comprises a similar configuration as thebuilding material 10 described above and shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, withfirst and second base sections 1814 and 1816, and a vane 1820 extendingbetween these defining a vane surface 1836. However, in this embodiment,the building material further comprises first and second matingcomponents 1830 and 1831 extending outward along a longitudinal axisfrom the base sections 1814 and 1816, respectively. The matingcomponents 1830 and 1831 each are shown as comprising a projection tabhaving a square cross-sectional configuration, but this is not limitingin any way. The mating components are designed to allow the buildingmaterial to mate with or otherwise engage and operate with similar orcorresponding mating components of one or more laterally positionedadjacent building materials, as will be described below. In thisparticular embodiment, the mating components 1830 and 1831 comprise aheight that is less than the height of the base sections, and surfacesparallel to, but out of plane with the surfaces (e.g., surfaces 1824 and1826) of the base sections, respectively.

FIGS. 19A-19B illustrate a wall system formed in accordance with anotherexemplary embodiment, and particularly with constructional buildingmaterials similar to those described above and shown in FIGS. 18A-18B.The wall system 1910 comprises a plurality of constructional buildingmaterials vertically staggered that functions to provide for a strongerwall, and one that is more aesthetically varied. The building materialsare staggered by mating or engaging the mating components of adjoiningbuilding materials. For example, as shown, building material 1964comprises a mating component 1930 that engages with a mating component1931 of building material 1968 in a staggered relationship, which matingcomponent 1931 engages also with a mating component 1933 of buildingmaterial 1966, also in a staggered relationship. This staggering patternmay be continued for as many building materials as needed or desired. Bystaggering the building materials, the associated vanes are alsostaggered (see staggered vanes 1976 and 1980), thus contributing to thevaried look of the wall system.

The particular building materials shown in the wall system 1910 are notmeant to be limiting in any way. Indeed, those skilled in the art willrecognize that the building material may comprise different vaneconfigurations, different base section configurations, different matingcomponent configurations, etc. as needed or desired.

FIG. 20 illustrates a constructional building material in accordancewith still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Inthis embodiment, the constructional building material 2010 comprisesthree base sections, namely base sections 2014, 2016 and 2018. Extendingbetween the first and second base sections 2014 and 2016 is a first vane2076. Likewise, extending between the second and third base sections2016 and 2018 is a second vane 2080. The vane configuration is similarto that described above and shown in FIGS. 9A-9B. However, this is notintended to be limiting in any way as the vane configuration of thedouble wide vane building material 2010 can be any vane configuration asdescribed herein, as well as others apparent to those skilled in theart. As such, the building material 2010 functions in many respectssimilar to those described above, only the building material 2010comprises a double wide vane configuration. Another way to describe theconstructional building material 2010 is that it comprises two end basesections, and a middle or intermediate base section, with the vaneextending from this middle or intermediate base section in opposingdirections towards the two end base sections. Providing a double widevane configuration allows for horizontal staggering of rows of buildingmaterials that can be used to make the resulting wall system stronger,as well as more aesthetically varying.

The first and second end base sections 2014 and 2018 are shown as beingsmaller in size or comprising a reduced area (smaller in width as viewedfrom a front view) than the middle base section 2016, which facilitateshorizontal staggering of rows as will be shown below. A wall systemcomprised of a plurality of constructional building materials formedafter the manner of the building material 2010 is illustrated in FIG.21. This wall system 2110 comprises four rows of building materials. Ascan be seen, each of the various end base sections of the severalbuilding materials can be positioned adjacent one another along ahorizontal axis, with the combined width of these being the same as thewidth of the middle base section of an adjacent building material in ahigher or lower row. In this manner, the wall system 2110 can beconstructed with the several building materials in one row beingpositioned in a staggered relationship with the several buildingmaterials in an adjacent row, thus increasing the strength of the wallsystem much in the same way traditional walls are strengthened that arebuilt in a staggered configuration. The respective vane sections arepositioned as taught above, such that a combined volume of space and acorresponding fluid flow channel are formed that facilitates fluid flowthrough the wall system 2110 as taught herein.

FIGS. 22A and 22B illustrate a constructional building material inaccordance with yet another exemplary embodiment. In many respects, theconstructional building material 2210 is similar to the variousconstructional building materials described herein, and thus the similarelements and features are not discussed in detail here. However, in thisparticular embodiment, the building material 2210 comprises first andsecond base sections 2214 and 2216, each base section having an uppersurface 2224 and a lower surface 2226. The base sections 2214 and 2216are each shown as comprising a non-planar or curved configuration, withthe upper and lower surfaces 2224 and 2226 being curved. As will beappreciated by those skilled in the art, and although not discussed hereor shown in drawings, the base sections 2214 and 2216, and the upper andlower surfaces 2224 and 2226, may comprise a variety of non-planarconfigurations.

In this particular embodiment, the upper and lower surfaces 2224 and2226 are substantially symmetrical to each other. Symmetrical surfacesmay assist in facilitating similar constructional building materialsmating or nesting together when combined to form a wall system.Alternatively, the upper and lower surfaces 2224 and 2226 of thebuilding material 2221 do not need to be symmetrical or substantiallyparallel to each other. For example, a constructional building materialhaving base sections comprising a flat lower surface and a curved uppersurface may be used to construct all or part of a wall system.

This particular embodiment further illustrates that the first and secondbase sections 2214 and 2216 need not comprise a block-like (e.g.,elongated cube, cubiod) configuration (e.g., those having a uniformcross-section along a longitudinal axis), or be constrained todimensions of traditional building materials. For example, a basesection may be triangular, hexagonal or curved in its cross-sectionalshape, depending on the desired look of the wall structure to beconstructed. As stated above, the cross-sectional area of the basesection used to relate to the portion of the vane in defining the volumeof space, at least in part, will likely be the largest cross-sectionalarea of the base section, taken orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.

FIGS. 22A and 22B also illustrate a vane 2220 extending between thefirst and second base sections 2214 and 2216, wherein the vane 2220comprises a curved configuration (e.g., a semi-circular cross-sectionalconfiguration) as viewed from the cross-section of FIG. 22B. The upperand lower surfaces 2224 and 2226 of the vane 2220 may configured to beparallel (as shown in this embodiment) or non-parallel (as shownelsewhere herein).

FIGS. 23A and 23B illustrate a constructional building material inaccordance with yet another exemplary embodiment. In many respects, theconstructional building material 2310 is similar to the variousconstructional building materials described above, and thus the similarelements and features are not discussed in detail here. The buildingmaterial 2310 comprises first and second base sections 2314 and 2316,and a vane 2320 extending therebetween. However, unlike otherembodiments described herein, the first and second base sections 2314and 2316 are not substantially parallel to each other, but rather liealong a nonlinear (e.g., curved) longitudinal axis, wherein theconstructional building material comprises a nonlinear configurationalong its longitudinal axis. This may be preferred when building astructure that is non-linear, such as a wall with rounded corners.Moreover, the building material 2310 comprises a vane 2320 that extendsbetween the base sections 2314 and 2316, and that is also curved, alongthe curved longitudinal axis. Although shown as comprising aconfiguration similar to that shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, the vane 2320 maycomprise a variety of different configurations (such as those taughtherein) that extend between the first and base sections 2314 and 2316.Likewise, the base sections 2314 and 2316 may comprise differentconfigurations as taught herein. Thus, a wall structure can be built ina plurality of configurations by altering the configuration of the vane2320 and the base sections 2314 and 2316.

FIGS. 24A and 24B illustrate a constructional building material inaccordance with yet another exemplary embodiment. In many respects, theconstructional building material 2410 is similar to the variousconstructional building materials described above, and thus the similarelements and features are not discussed in detail here. However, in thisparticular embodiment, the building material 2410 comprises first andsecond base sections 2414 and 2416, and a vane 2420 extendingtherebetween, wherein the building material is configured similarly tothat discussed above and shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. As discussedpreviously, the base sections 2414 and 2416 need not be constrained intheir dimensions to that of traditional constructional buildingmaterials. In this embodiment, and unlike the embodiment of FIGS. 7A and7B, the width W1 of each of the base sections is elongated such that itis at least twice the dimension as the height of the base sections, thusproviding multiple advantages, as will be discussed below. As a result,the surfaces of the vane 2420 are shown as being configured to comprisea greater radius, respectively, than those of the vane discussed aboveand shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B.

FIGS. 25A and 25B illustrate an exemplary wall system (or at least aportion thereof) constructed or formed from a plurality constructionalbuilding materials having a configuration in accordance with that shownin FIGS. 24A and 24B. Specifically, these figures illustrate that thewall system 2510 may comprise a plurality of construction buildingmaterials 2564, 2566, and 2568, as described above, which may be securedtogether by a binding material, such as a mortar layer 2596. Bypositioning two or more of the exemplary building materials of thepresent invention shown here in a stacked relationship, the respectivevanes 2520, 2576, and 2580 of the building materials are also positionedso as to define, at least in part, one or more common volumes of space,shown as volumes of space 2584 and 2592, and corresponding fluid flowchannels 2588 and 2594, respectively, that facilitates air flow throughthe wall system 2510 from one side to the other as indicated by thearrows, and as described above.

In this wall system embodiment, each base section comprises an elongatedwidth in accordance with the building material shown in FIGS. 24A and24B. Elongating the width of the base sections may provide manyadvantages over base sections having less elongated widths. For example,a base section having an elongated width increases the upper and lowersurface areas on the base section, which allows additional bindingmaterial, such as mortar, to be applied and disposed between stackedbuilding materials, thus creating a stronger wall structure.Additionally, increasing the surface area on the base sections allowsfor a larger support foundation for other constructional buildingmaterials to rest on, also contributing to stronger structures, as wellas wall structures that may comprise greater heights.

Elongating the width of the base section also allows the vane to beelongated as shown in this embodiment. An elongated vane allows thefluid flow channels, discussed above, to be flatter in nature. Thisreduces resistance to fluids passing through the fluid flow channels.Therefore, elongated vanes allow for reduced wind loads as applied tothe wall system relative to the wind loads of traditional screen wallsor even other exemplary wall systems described herein. Additionally,building materials having an elongated width offers the advantage ofincreased degrees of visual obstruction by reducing the angle ofobservance made available through a wall system.

The foregoing detailed description describes the invention withreference to specific exemplary embodiments. However, it will beappreciated that various modifications and changes can be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention as set forth in theappended claims. The detailed description and accompanying drawings areto be regarded as merely illustrative, rather than as restrictive, andall such modifications or changes, if any, are intended to fall withinthe scope of the present invention as described and set forth herein.While the forgoing examples are illustrative of the principles of thepresent invention in one or more particular applications, it will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerousmodifications in form, usage and details of implementation can be madewithout the exercise of inventive faculty, and without departing fromthe principles and concepts of the invention.

More specifically, while illustrative exemplary embodiments of theinvention have been described herein, the present invention is notlimited to these embodiments, but includes any and all embodimentshaving modifications, omissions, combinations (e.g., of aspects acrossvarious embodiments), adaptations and/or alterations as would beappreciated by those skilled in the art based on the foregoing detaileddescription. The limitations in the claims are to be interpreted broadlybased on the language employed in the claims and not limited to examplesdescribed in the foregoing detailed description or during theprosecution of the application, which examples are to be construed asnon-exclusive. Any steps recited in any method or process claims may beexecuted in any order and are not limited to the order presented in theclaims. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determinedsolely by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather thanby the descriptions and examples given above.

1. A constructional building material, comprising: a first base sectionhaving a perimeter surface defining an envelope boundary extending alonga longitudinal axis; and at least one vane extending outward from saidfirst base section along said longitudinal axis, said vane comprising afirst vane surface, wherein the cross-sectional area of a portion of thevane within the envelope boundary is less than the cross-sectional areaof the base section to define a volume of space about the first vanesurface and within the envelope boundary.
 2. The constructions buildingmaterial of claim 1, wherein said constructional building materialcomprises a type of masonry brick.
 3. The constructional buildingmaterial of claim 1, wherein said building material is formed from aplastic material.
 4. The constructional building material of claim 1,wherein a portion of said vane extends beyond said envelope boundary. 5.The constructional building material of claim 1, wherein no portion ofsaid vane extends beyond said envelope boundary.
 6. The constructionalbuilding material of claim 1, further comprising a second base section,wherein said vane extends between said first base section and saidsecond base section.
 7. The constructional building material of claim 1,wherein said first base section comprises first and second surfaces,said first and second surfaces being substantially parallel to oneanother.
 8. The constructional building material of claim 1, whereinsaid first base section comprises first and second surfaces, said firstand second surfaces being non-parallel to one another.
 9. Theconstructional building material of claim 1, further comprising a secondvane extending outward from said first base section, wherein said secondvane operates to define, in part, a volume of space about a surface ofsaid second vane.
 10. The constructional building material of claim 9,wherein said first vane is parallel to said second vane.
 11. Theconstructional building material of claim 9, wherein said first vane isnon-parallel to said second vane.
 12. The constructional buildingmaterial of claim 9, wherein said second vane operates with said firstvane to define, at least in part, a common volume of space and a fluidflow channel that facilitates fluid flow through said buildingconstructional material along a fluid flow path.
 13. The constructionalbuilding material of claim 1, wherein said vane comprises across-sectional configuration selected from the group consisting ofrectangular, substantially rectangular, v-shaped, semi-circular, and anycombination of these.
 14. The constructional building material of claim1, wherein said first base section further comprises a mating componentconfigured to engage a mating component of an adjacent buildingmaterial, said mating components facilitating vertical staggering ofsaid building materials.
 15. The constructional building material ofclaim 1, wherein said first base section comprises a first end basesection, and wherein said constructional building material furthercomprises a middle base section, a second end base section, and a secondvane, said first vane extending between said first end base section andsaid middle base section, said second vane extending between said middlebase section and said second end base section.
 16. The constructionalbuilding material of claim 1, wherein said first base section comprisesat least one non-planar or curved surface.
 17. The constructionalbuilding material of claim 1, wherein said first base section and saidvane are disposed along a longitudinal axis having a nonlinearconfiguration, said constructional building material having a nonlinearlongitudinal configuration.
 18. The constructional building material ofclaim 1, wherein said first base section comprises an elongated widthhaving a dimension at least twice that of a height of said base section.19. A wall system having opposing sides, said wall system comprising: afirst constructional building material having at least one base sectionand at least one vane extending outward from said base section; and asecond constructional building material having at least one base sectionand at least one vane extending outward from said base section, saidbase sections of said first and second constructional building materialseach having a perimeter surface defining an envelope boundary extendingalong a longitudinal axis, a common volume of space defined, at least inpart, by said vane of said first constructional building material andsaid vane of said second constructional building material, wherein saidcommon volume of space defines, at least in part, a fluid flow channelthat facilitates fluid flow through the wall system from one of saidopposing sides of said wall system to the other of said opposing sidesof said wall system along a fluid flow path.
 20. The system of claim 19,wherein said vanes are oriented to be substantially parallel to oneanother.
 21. The system of claim 19, wherein said fluid flow channelprovides directional fluid flow control depending upon a respectiveorientation of said vanes.
 22. The system of claim 19, wherein at leastone of said first and second constructional building materials comprisesa mating component about at least one of said respective base sectionsthat facilitates vertical staggering with an adjacent constructionalbuilding material, said mating component being configured to mate withsaid adjacent constructional building material, said adjacentconstructional building material being located in a different elevation.23. The system of claim 19, wherein said first and second constructionalbuilding materials each comprise two end base sections, and anintermediate base section, and at least one vane extending in opposingdirections between each of the two end base sections and theintermediate base section to provide a double wide vane that facilitateshorizontal staggering with other similarly configured constructionalbuilding materials.
 24. The system of claim 19, wherein said first andsecond constructional building materials are coupled together with abinding material.
 25. The system of claim 24, wherein said firstconstructional building material comprises a vane having a portion thatextends beyond its envelope boundary to said envelope boundary of saidsecond constructional building material, said portion being configuredto facilitate complete visual obstruction through said wall system byconcealing a gap formed between said first and second constructionalbuilding materials about said respective vanes, as created by saidbinding material.
 26. A wall system formed at least in part by amulti-part constructional building material system, said wall systemcomprising: a first constructional building material having at least onebase section and at least one vane extending from said base section; anda second constructional building material having at least one basesection and at least one vane extending from said base section, saidbase sections of said first and second constructional building materialseach having a perimeter surface defining an envelope boundary extendingalong a longitudinal axis, wherein said vane of said firstconstructional building material comprises a configuration differentfrom a configuration of said vane of said second constructional buildingmaterial, said first and second constructional building materials beingpositioned adjacent one another along a vertical axis to relate saidrespective vanes to define, at least in part, a common volume of spaceand a fluid flow channel extending through at least a part of both saidfirst and second constructional building materials.
 27. A method forfacilitating fluid flow through opposing sides of a wall system, saidmethod comprising: obtaining at least two constructional buildingmaterials configured to form at least a part of said wall system, eachof said constructional building materials having at least one basesection and at least one vane extending from said base section; andpositioning said at least two constructional building materials in amanner so as to cause the vanes of said constructional buildingmaterials to define a common volume of space and a fluid flow path thatfacilitates fluid flow through said opposing sides of said wall system.